Putting Humpty Dumpty back together again took a lot of team work in the operating room. It is also taking a lot of team work at home. I rely on my kids and the Mindboggling Mrs. Miyoshi and a bunch of friends for pretty much everything.

It is amazing how much I have taken mobility for granted. (I can hardly wait until I get to that point again.) I am reminded of how I used to take walking for granted every time the Mindboggling Mrs. Miyoshi gives me “sympathy.” She will get me a drink of water or some food and say as she pirouettes, “Look at how easy it is to walk.” But on the fourth or fifth trip to get something for me, she often says, “I can not believe how much I walk.” It really is amazing how much we can take mobility for granted when we have it. And I really can not wait until I start doing it again.

Besides my wife, the kids have been a great help both at home and at school. At home, I can ask any of my three sons to get me stuff or help me out in some other task that requires mobility. The kids at school have done the same. It is so nice to know that whether I am at home or at work, all the kids are really very willing to help. I think it is in their nature to do so.

That natural tendency to help other people is not lost when people reach adulthood. I have friends at work help me with lots of stuff. Micah, Amy, Sarah, and Bruce, four of my co-workers who live fairly near to me, have taken me to work and home since I can not drive yet. We have had great conversations and they are all so cheery and willing to help. I try to be independent, but they have all been great while I have been unable to drive.

So far, the best story of people helping me was during the lunch before Senior Project at school. It was my second day back after my injury and subsequent surgery and everybody was really taking care of me. Linda, the head secretary and all around wonderful friend, told me that she would get me lunch that day. I was grateful and thanked her when she offered.

When the time came for food, I was out of the area. But Linda remembered me. She sprinted to the front of the line to get food. She prepared my food and even got me the extra brownie that I had asked for. She got razzed by everybody who saw her sprint to get my lunch. But the teasing really started after she had put my lunch at my place and returned to the line to get her own lunch. She had to endure statements like, “Wow! Already done with that first helping!” and “I have not even gotten my firsts yet,” and “You must really be hungry Linda,” just because she was helping me. I guess that the statement, “No good deed goes unpunished,” is really true. She laughed when she told me the story.

Being injured is a very humbling experience. I have been the recipient of great care from my family and friends. Micah, Amy, Sarah, and Bruce have driven me to and from work. And others have offered. Linda has endured ridicule for me. My kids at school and at home have done small tasks to help keep me comfortable. And of course, the Mindboggling Mrs. Miyoshi has taken great care of me during this time of great need. She has done all the jobs around the house and has been my home care nurse, chauffeur, cook, waitress, and foot washer. They say that it takes a village to raise a child. I say that it takes a village to take care of me. And I also say that I live in a wonderful village. To all the great caregivers in my life I say, “Thank you.” I am glad that we live in the same village.